System for remote control of a medical imaging system

This is a non-provisional application of provisional application Ser. No. 61/024,617 filed Jan. 30, 2008, by W. Qu et al.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns a system for providing remote control and interaction with a medical imaging system involving remotely video monitoring the medical imaging system and providing commands for controlling the medical imaging system from a remote location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical imaging systems such as angiography, computing topography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) systems are widely used in hospitals for diagnosis and therapy. Such medical imaging systems are usually stand-alone medical devices because of safety considerations. A direct connection with either an o intranet or the Internet increases software system exposure to viruses which is dangerous when a patient is undergoing diagnosis or treatment. Consequently, medical devices are typically operationally configured to prevent regular remote access via Windows Net-meeting, Remote Assistance, or other TCP/IP based desktop sharing schemes, for example. However, remote access and control of these medical imaging systems is sometimes desirable. For example, when a user desires to hold a remote diagnostic meeting for a patient, an off-site remotely located physician may want to directly access and control a medical imaging system to view and manipulate captured images or to use post-processing features for diagnosis. Similarly, remote access is desirable for technical support, for training or for education to address technical questions and to initiate or validate software updates and for other purposes. Remote access and control of a stand alone medical imaging system enables a technician to investigate and address problems directly without the need to visit a hospital. This accelerates provision of technical support and reduces costs.

Known remote executable application control systems are burdened by a need to modify system configurations or execute a software procedure within a controlled system. A system according to invention principles addresses the identified need for medical imaging system remote access and control and associated problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system enables secure, virus-free, safe remote access and control of stand-alone medical imaging systems without change of imaging system settings or execution of additional programs within a medical imaging system. A system provides remote control and interaction with a medical imaging system and includes a transmitter. The transmitter wirelessly transmits command signals via a first secure communication link to a receiver unit coupled to a medical imaging system. The command signals enable control of the medical imaging system from a remote location. At least one computer receives video data from a camera located near the medical imaging system and monitors medical images and associated data presented on a display of the medical imaging system in response to command signals wirelessly communicated to the receiver unit. A monitor presents the received video data to a user. Also a user interface enables a user to provide commands for controlling the medical imaging system via the command signals from the remote location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a system for providing remote control and interaction with a medical imaging system, according to invention principles.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows signal flow in a system for providing remote control and interaction with a medical imaging system, according to invention principles.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a flowchart of a process employed by a system at a remote location for providing remote control and interaction with a medical imaging system, according to invention principles.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a flowchart of a process employed by a system supporting remote control and interaction with the medical imaging system, according to invention principles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A system enables secure, safe remote access and control of stand-alone medical imaging systems without change of imaging system settings or execution of additional programs within a medical imaging system. The system provides physical separation and independence from a medical imaging system, to prevent medical system data corruption, unauthorized access and infection by a software virus and safe and secure remote control operation of a medical imaging system.

A processor as used herein is a device for executing stored machine-readable instructions for performing tasks and may comprise any one or combination of, hardware and firmware. A processor may also comprise memory storing machine-readable instructions executable for performing tasks. A processor acts upon information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, converting or transmitting information for use by an executable procedure or an information device, and/or by routing the information to an output device. A processor may use or comprise the capabilities of a controller or microprocessor, for example. A processor may be electrically coupled with any other processor enabling interaction and/or communication there-between. A processor comprising executable instructions may be electrically coupled by being within stored executable instruction enabling interaction and/or communication with executable instructions comprising another processor. A user interface processor or generator is a known element comprising electronic circuitry or software or a combination of both for generating display images or portions thereof. A user interface comprises one or more display images enabling user interaction with a processor or other device.

An executable application comprises code or machine readable instructions for conditioning the processor to implement predetermined functions, such as those of an operating system, a context data acquisition system or other information processing system, for example, in response to user command or input. An executable procedure is a segment of code or machine readable instruction, sub-routine, or other distinct section of code or portion of an executable application for performing one or more particular processes. These processes may include receiving input data and/or parameters, performing operations on received input data and/or performing functions in response to received input parameters, and providing resulting output data and/or parameters. A user interface (UI), as used herein, comprises one or more display images, generated by a user interface processor and enabling user interaction with a processor or other device and associated data acquisition and processing functions.

The UI also includes an executable procedure or executable application. The executable procedure or executable application conditions the user interface processor to generate signals representing the UI display images. These signals are supplied to a display device which displays the image for viewing by the user. The executable procedure or executable application further receives signals from user input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, light pen, touch screen or any other means allowing a user to provide data to a processor. The processor, under control of an executable procedure or executable application, manipulates the UI display images in response to signals received from the input devices. In this way, the user interacts with the display image using the input devices, enabling user interaction with the processor or other device. The functions and process steps herein may be performed automatically or wholly or partially in response to user command. An activity (including a step) performed automatically is performed in response to executable instruction or device operation without user direct initiation of the activity.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows system <b>10</b> for providing remote control and interaction with a medical imaging system. System <b>10</b> includes medical imaging system <b>15</b> and receiver unit <b>22</b>, executing an on-site control transition client application and being coupled to a medical imaging system, for receiving wirelessly transmitted command signals via a first secure wireless communication link <b>32</b>. In one embodiment receiver unit <b>22</b> includes an antenna compatible with commands derived from a wireless mouse or keyboard, for example, so no configuration change or additional software is needed by medical imaging system <b>15</b>. The command signals enable control of medical imaging system <b>15</b> from a remote location. A camera and interface unit <b>25</b> wirelessly communicates video data to at least one computer <b>20</b> at a remote location via second secure communication link <b>36</b> and video receiver unit <b>34</b>, in response to command signals wirelessly communicated to receiver unit <b>22</b>. The video data is communicated from a camera located near medical imaging system <b>15</b>, e.g., in the same room of a hospital, that monitors medical images and associated data presented on a display of medical imaging system <b>15</b>. In one embodiment, camera and interface unit <b>25</b> wirelessly communicates video data to at least one computer <b>20</b> and in another embodiment, unit <b>25</b> communicates video data to at least one computer <b>20</b> via a dedicated cable link.

Transmitter <b>27</b> wirelessly transmits command signals via first secure communication link <b>32</b> to receiver unit <b>22</b> coupled to medical imaging system <b>15</b> provided by a particular manufacturer and having a particular version or model identifier. At least one repository within computer <b>20</b> stores a command set comprising a set of commands for controlling medical imaging system <b>15</b>. At least one computer <b>20</b> executing in response to a client application receives video data from medical imaging system <b>15</b> via video receiver unit <b>34</b>. The video data is provided by camera and interface unit <b>25</b> that monitors medical images and associated data presented on a display of medical imaging system <b>15</b> in response to command signals wirelessly communicated to receiver unit <b>22</b>. Monitor <b>220</b> of computer <b>20</b> presents the received video data to a user. A user interface of computer <b>20</b> (e.g., a mouse and keyboard) enables a user to provide commands for remotely controlling medical imaging system <b>15</b>. The command signals include data representing commands in the command set.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows signal flow in a system for providing remote control and interaction with a medical imaging system. In response to user initiation of a remote control mode, camera <b>25</b> captures still image data or video data <b>219</b> of medical imaging system <b>15</b>. Data <b>219</b> is transmitted through secure communication link <b>36</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), received by receiver unit <b>34</b> (in interface <b>290</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) and displayed on a display monitor <b>220</b> of at least one computer <b>20</b>. User initiated command signals generated in response to mouse <b>222</b> and keyboard <b>224</b> operation of computer <b>20</b>, are conveyed via interface <b>290</b> and wirelessly transmitted by transmitter unit <b>27</b> to receiver unit <b>22</b>. Receiver unit <b>22</b> coupled to medical imaging system <b>15</b> receives the command signals that are provided to medical imaging system <b>15</b> to initiate actions directed by a user at the remote location.

In one embodiment, system <b>10</b> eliminates use of a direct cable connection or intranet or public network link between medical imaging system <b>15</b> and the control computer <b>20</b> at a remote site. Instead, system <b>10</b> uses dedicated secure wireless communication links between medical imaging system <b>15</b> and the control computer <b>20</b> at a remote site. System <b>10</b> advantageously excludes software viruses and data corruption from adversely impacting operation of medical imaging system <b>15</b> and can be applied to other remote control applications where a controlled system is stand-alone and may not be directly accessed or controlled through cables. Medical imaging systems such as X-ray, angiography, fluoroscopy, CT and MR systems are typically installed isolated from communication networks such as the Internet (and may be isolated from intra-nets such as intra-hospital networks) to maintain patient safety. System <b>10</b> avoids compromising medical imaging system isolation by employing a secure dedicated communication protocol and a non-public network (or direct point to point cable). In one embodiment, the system employs a relatively short distance secure wireless protocol such as a Bluetooth compatible protocol over a secure link for communication between medical imaging system <b>15</b> and receiver unit <b>22</b> as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Receiver unit <b>22</b> communicates with computer <b>20</b> located at a remote site via secure communication link <b>32</b> such as a dedicated cable or wireless communication.

System <b>10</b> advantageously employs one or more secure restricted command sets used by a remote control client application executed by computer <b>20</b>. Individual command sets include corresponding commands for different applications such as image post-processing, reporting, trouble-shooting for a particular type, manufacturer and version of imaging modality device <b>15</b>. Different command sets may support different device type (e.g., MR, CT, Ultrasound, X-ray type of imaging modality devices), different device versions and different device manufacturers. Other command sets support different functions such as education, training on an installed software function, and multi-site collaboration such as for a consultation or for obtaining a second opinion, for example. A command set may also be user or role specific and be tailored for specific user preferences or specific user role (e.g., a technician, physician, radiologist and support staff). In an image processing command set for example, commands of a command set are compatible with a particular medical system type, manufacturer and version. The use of a limited predetermined command set increases system security and reduces opportunity for corruption or interference (deliberate or haphazard). Moreover, additional access verification schemes such as fingerprint recognition are used by the remote control client application executed by computer <b>20</b> to reinforce security. Also a user of medical imaging system <b>15</b> is able to terminate remote access by computer <b>20</b> by shutting down receiver unit <b>22</b>, for example. In a further embodiment, camera and interface unit <b>25</b> comprises an interface unit that forwards video data from medical imaging system <b>15</b> without use of a camera, to at least one computer <b>20</b> via a secured wired or wireless communication channel. The forwarded video data comprises data that is displayed by imaging system <b>15</b> on a workstation of system <b>15</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a flowchart of a process employed by system <b>10</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) at a remote location for providing remote control and interaction with medical imaging system <b>15</b>. In step <b>312</b>, following the start at step <b>311</b>, transmitter <b>27</b> wirelessly transmits command signals via first secure communication link <b>32</b> to receiver unit <b>22</b> coupled to medical imaging system <b>15</b> provided by a particular manufacturer and having a particular version or model identifier. Specifically, medical imaging system <b>15</b> is of a particular imaging modality type, provided by a particular manufacturer and has a particular version or model identifier. The command signals enable control of medical imaging system <b>15</b> from a remote location. In step <b>315</b>, computer <b>20</b> stores in at least one repository in computer <b>20</b>, a command set comprising a set of secure restricted commands for controlling medical imaging system <b>15</b> of the particular imaging modality type, provided by a particular manufacturer and having a particular version or model identifier and the command signals include data representing commands in the command set. Further, the at least one repository advantageously stores multiple different command sets for one or more medical imaging systems associated with at least one of, (a) multiple different imaging modality types including at least two of, MR, CT, Ultrasound and X-ray modality types, (b) multiple different manufacturers of an imaging modality device and (c) multiple different versions or models of an imaging modality device.

The at least one repository stores multiple different command sets for one or more medical imaging systems associated with multiple different user roles and also associated with at least one of, medical imaging system training, medical imaging system education, medical imaging system support and multi-site collaboration and consultation. In step <b>319</b>, at least one computer <b>20</b> receives video data from medical imaging system <b>15</b> in response to command signals wirelessly communicated to receiver unit <b>22</b>. The video data shows medical images and associated data presented on a display of medical imaging system <b>15</b> and in one embodiment is received from a camera via a second secure communication link <b>36</b>. The camera monitors a substantial portion of a room housing medical imaging system <b>15</b> including activities by personnel operating system <b>15</b>. Also the commands for controlling medical imaging system <b>15</b> via the command signals from the remote location include command for controlling the camera in at least one of, focus, pan and tilt. In another embodiment at least one computer <b>20</b> receives video data directly from medical imaging system <b>15</b> without an intervening camera, in response to command signals wirelessly communicated to receiver unit <b>22</b> and controlling medical imaging system <b>15</b>. The video data shows medical images and associated data presented on a display of medical imaging system <b>15</b>. In another embodiment, the video data is conveyed by a wired link.

In one embodiment, first and second secure communication links <b>32</b> and <b>36</b> are dedicated, separate and independent non-networked links. In a further embodiment, first and second secure communication links <b>32</b> and <b>36</b> are a single bidirectional secure wireless communication link. Also, at least one of, the command signals and video data, are encrypted prior to communication in encrypted form on respective first and second secure communication links <b>32</b> and <b>36</b>. A monitor of computer <b>20</b> presents the received video data to a user. In step <b>323</b>, a biometric authentication processor in computer <b>20</b> prevents an unauthorized user from initiating commands to control medical imaging system <b>15</b>. In step <b>326</b>, a user interface (e.g., keyboard <b>224</b> and mouse <b>222</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) of computer <b>20</b>) enables a user to provide commands for controlling medical imaging system <b>15</b> via the command signals from the remote location. The user interface enables a user to select commands of a command set compatible with medical imaging system <b>15</b> and that is compatible with a selected user role. The process of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> terminates at step <b>331</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a flowchart of a process employed by system <b>10</b> on site with medical imaging system <b>15</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and supports remote control of, and interaction with, medical imaging system <b>15</b>. In step <b>412</b>, following the start at step <b>411</b>, receiver unit <b>22</b> coupled to medical imaging system <b>15</b>, receives wirelessly transmitted command signals via first secure communication link <b>32</b>. The command signals enable control of medical imaging system <b>15</b> from a remote location. In step <b>415</b>, a camera (in unit <b>25</b>) located near medical imaging system <b>15</b> monitors medical images and associated data presented on a display of medical imaging system <b>15</b>. In step <b>419</b>, an interface unit (in unit <b>25</b>) communicates video data from the camera to at least one computer <b>20</b> at a remote location via second secure communication link <b>36</b>, in response to command signals wirelessly communicated to receiver unit <b>22</b> and controlling medical imaging system <b>15</b>. In one embodiment, first and second secure communication links <b>32</b> and <b>36</b> are a single bidirectional secure wireless communication link. The process of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> terminates at step <b>431</b>.

The systems and processes of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> are not exclusive. Other systems, processes and menus may be derived in accordance with the principles of the invention to accomplish the same objectives. Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention. A system provides a user with remote access and control of stand-alone medical imaging system <b>15</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) usable in a hospital to provide a user with convenient communication with off-site experts to facilitate addressing technical problems, for example. The system is usable for access to, and control of, a wide variety of different stand-alone devices and systems that may not be directly accessed or controlled through cables, for example. Further, the processes and applications may, in alternative embodiments, be located on one or more (e.g., distributed) processing devices. Any of the functions and steps provided in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both.